Fianna Fáil has recommended a 6.4% increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) to €9.20 as part of the party’s submission to Low Pay Commission.

Party spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Dara Calleary TD commented, “Our primary focus in this submission is to ensure a decent standard of living for lower paid people by creating a living wage and improving job security. Fianna Fáil believes that the utmost importance should be given to supporting those on low and middle earnings, who are finding it hard to meet their weekly financial commitments.

“Based on all the economic data currently available, Fianna Fáil recommends increasing the NMW by 55 cent (+6.4%) to bring it up to €9.20 per hour. This takes inflation rates over the last 8 years as well as current economic growth forecasts into consideration. Spread over the course of a year, this increase would equate to an extra €1,000 in pay for a person on the National Minimum Wage.

“In preparing this submission, Fianna Fáil consulted widely with social partners and stakeholders. I led a party delegation to meet the UK’s Low Pay Commission to discuss its operation and learn from its experience over the past 18 years. Its long term record is one of raising the minimum wage and increased wages for workers at the bottom without damaging jobs in the economy”.